James Allen Quotes

A collection of quotes by James Allen.

James Allen was a British philosophical writer and poet, born in Leicester, England, in 1864. Although not widely recognized during his lifetime, Allen's works have since become influential in the self-help and spiritual genres. His most famous book, "As a Man Thinketh," published in 1903, explores the power of thoughts and their effect on an individual's circumstances and character.

Growing up in a working-class family, Allen faced numerous hardships early in life. He pursued various occupations, including factory work and employment as a private secretary. These experiences, combined with a strong interest in self-improvement and spirituality, influenced his writing style and subject matter.

James Allen's writings often emphasize the importance of personal responsibility, positive thinking, and the realization of one's inner potential. He believed in the power of an individual's thoughts to shape their destiny and argued that success and happiness stem from cultivating a harmonious inner world.

Although he passed away in 1912, at the young age of 48, James Allen's works continue to inspire and motivate people around the world. His profound insights into the human mind and spirit make his writings timeless and relevant, making him one of the influential figures in the field of personal development.

No temptation can gravitate to a man unless there is that is

No temptation can gravitate to a man unless there is that is his heart which is capable of responding to it

Control

For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why

For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?

Success & Failure

A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart,

A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it. He should make this purpose the centralizing point of his thoughts. It may take the form of a spiritual ideal, or it may be a worldly object, according to his nature at the time being; but whichever it is, he should steadily focus his thought forces upon the object which he has set before him. He should make this purpose his supreme duty, and should devote himself to its attainment, not allowing his thoughts to wander away into ephemeral fancies, longings, and imaginings. This is the royal road to self-control and true concentration of thought. Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose (as he necessarily must until weakness is overcome), the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting point for future power and triumph.

Purpose

He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who

He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.

Sacrifice

Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwi

Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.

Progress

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.

Thought

The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success,

The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.

Serenity

The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do.

The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do.

Belief

All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life

All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is the direct result of your thoughts.

Thought

He who would be useful, strong, and happy must cease to be a

He who would be useful, strong, and happy must cease to be a passive receptacle for the negative, beggarly, and impure streams of thought; and as a wise householder commands his servants and invites his guests, so must he learn to command his desires and to say, with authority, what thoughts he shall admit into the mansion of his soul.

Confidence

Our life is what our thoughts make it. A man will find that

Our life is what our thoughts make it. A man will find that as he alters his thoughts toward things and other people, things and other people will alter towards him.

Thought

Above all be of single aim; have a legitimate and useful pur

Above all be of single aim; have a legitimate and useful purpose, and devote yourself unreservedly to it.

Purpose

It is a process of diverting one's scattered forces into one

It is a process of diverting one's scattered forces into one powerful channel.

Concentration

Mind is the Master--power that molds and makes, and Man is M

Mind is the Master--power that molds and makes, and Man is Mind, and ever more he takes the Tool of Thought, and shaping what he wills, brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills--He thinks in secret and it comes to pass; Environment is but his looking-glass.

Mind

If you real desire is to be good, there is no need to wait f

If you real desire is to be good, there is no need to wait for the money before you do it; you can do it now, this very moment, and just where you are.

Opportunity

Harmony is one phase of the law whose spiritual expression i

Harmony is one phase of the law whose spiritual expression is love.

Peace

A man is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, health

A man is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, healthy, and prosperous being; and happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of a harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer of the man with his surroundings.

Environment

You will never do anything in this world without courage. It

You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.

Honor

Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bear bad fruit.

Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bear bad fruit.

Honesty

Let there be nothing within thee that is not very beautiful

Let there be nothing within thee that is not very beautiful and very gentle, and there will be nothing without thee that is not beautiful and softened by the spell of thy presence.

Beauty